The new tankers come after the RFS expanded across the Gwydir Shire two weeks ago with two new stations – the Whitlow Brigade, based between Bingara and Delungra, and the Gragin Brigade, north of Warialda.

Last Friday night long-serving RFS volunteers were honoured at a medal ceremony at Wests’ Diggers.

Tamworth RFS Superintendent Allyn Purkiss said about 20 volunteers were decorated for their service.

“It’s our way of showing some sort of appreciation – they don’t get much in the way of pay,” Superintendent Purkiss said.

He said a combined 390 years’ worth of experience was rewarded, and made special note of Peter Roffe, who received a medal for 40 years of volunteering.

He said the ceremony was “as much for the partners” of volunteers, who live with the weekend training and phone calls in the middle of the night, as well as the fear their loved one may not return from fighting fires.